Labyrinth + Coyote Wall - 2nd of 3 wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge
Details
Second of 3 wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge. The Labyrinth is a maze of basalt outcroppings in a landscape stripped bare by the Missoula Floods. The thin soils built up since then support an explosion of spring wildflowers, making this a popular early-season Gorge hike. Labyrinth Creek, its waterfall, photogenic towers of columnar basalt, and a panorama of riveting views make this a hike not to miss.
Meeting date/time – Wed Apr22, 9:30AM. Meet at TH. Ready to hike when we’re all geared up.
Trailhead - Syncline Trail - East Trailhead (google map link - https://maps.app.goo.gl/V6FBrzqsrW1nuxiS6) There is limited parking at this TH, carpooling is needed.
Pace – casual; there will be time for photos, flower identification, etc.
Distance/gain - 6.5 miles, 1700'
WTA - https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/catherine-creek-the-labyrinth
Friends of the Columbia Gorge - https://gorgefriends.org/find-a-hike/catherine-creek-labyrinth/
- A portable toilet is at the Catherine Creek trailhead, 1.5 miles east on Old Hwy 8.
- All the gorgeous flowers come with a price -- be sure to check for ticks!
- Always beware for poison oak
- We may have to sit on the ground for lunch/snack, bring something to sit on.
- Carry your 10 essentials, including rain gear
- No pass is required
Route Map (Labyrinth + Coyote Wall)
https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/route/5abc11c1-18cb-4d18-abf2-596b109fbd1d/
Hike leader is staying at Westcliff Lodge (https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hood-river-4070-west-cliff-drive.html). ). Rooms feature a refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, flat screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and free parking (https://www.westclifflodge.com/rooms). Westcliff Lodge is 20-minute drive time to the Syncline TH.